The secrets of how no-nonsense Gabriel Heinze is making Arsenal’s record-breaking defence even stronger

Before the crowds have filed into the stands at Arsenal matches this season, it is common to see the animated 5ft 10in figure of Gabriel Heinze shouting instructions to the Gunners defenders.

And these are not gentle warm-ups either. No matter the opposition, Mikel Arteta’s assistant coach Heinze puts the players through intense drills, many one-on-one. There may be a good reason Arsenal have only conceded three goals this season. 

Some of Heinze’s drills revolve around defensive positioning,…